Mushroom, White Bean, and Tomato Stew with Parmesan

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 T olive oil
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 2 tsp. minced garlic
• 1 tsp. dried thyme
• 1 tsp. ground fennel seed
• pinch dried sage
• 12 oz. Cremini mushrooms, washed, trimmed, and cut in quarters (or sixths if the mushrooms are large.  Cremini mushrooms are sometimes called Baby Bellas.)
• 1/4 cup homemade chicken stock (or use canned chicken or vegetable broth.  If using canned broth I would start with 1/2 cup and reduce it by simmering before adding to the recipe for more concentrated flavor.)
• 1 can (15 oz.) cannellini beans, rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz.) petite diced tomatoes with juice
• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (I used flat Italian parsley, but either kind will work)
• salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
• freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional, but good)

 

Directions 

• Heat olive oil in a large heavy frying pan large enough to hold all ingredients.  Add onion, garlic, thyme, fennel, and sage and saute, stirring a few times, until the onions are softened and starting to brown.  This will take about 8 minutes.
• While onions cook wash mushrooms, trim off woody stems, and cut mushrooms into quarters or sixths.  When onions are slightly browned, add mushrooms and 1/4 cup stock, and let simmer covered for 5-6 minutes, until mushrooms have shrunk somewhat and released their juice.  While mushrooms cook drain the beans into a colander placed in the sink and rinse with cold water until no more foam appears.
•  After mushrooms have cooked 5-6 minutes, add drained beans, tomatoes and juice, and 1/2 cup chopped parsley to the pan.  Cover again and simmer 10  minutes more.
•  After 10 minutes the stew should be slightly thickened and flavors should be well-blended.  Season to taste with salt and fresh ground black pepper.  Serve hot, over brown rice or whole wheat pasta, or just in a bowl as a meatless stew. 

Recipe found at: http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2011/04/recipe-for-mushroom-white-bean-and.html